Feng Shui 101

FENG SHUI 101

You've likely heard of Feng Shui, and probably thought it weird hocus pocus. But did you know that this is a way of life that is simple to attain?

Do you feel as if you are surrounded by negative energy that corrupts your life? Or as if no matter what you do or how you try to organize yourself, that your success is fleeting? Keep an open mind and you may find practical solutions with Feng Shui.

More than water fountains and wind chimes, the ancient art of Feng Shui can bring aesthetically pleasing and beneficial changes to your home and your life. From getting a good night's sleep to being more productive at work.

Feng Shui is mostly about positioning objects in your environment, so it is largely related to decorating. However, it is more about achieving a personal balance with your surroundings rather than a specific set of colour schemes or accessories à la Martha Stewart.

What is feng shui?

In poetic terms, Feng Shui was designed to balance the energy between heaven and Earth; or, to align man with the heavens. In practical terms, it's a way to get you in tune with your environment so you can reap the maximum benefits from your mental and physical space.

In modern times, Feng Shui attempts to implement design and placement strategies, in any environment (home, office, school, etc.) in order to optimize the growth and positive energy flow of its occupants. Again, in layman's terms, this essentially means that you get to move stuff around in your home or workplace until you feel as if you are in tune with your surroundings and in a beneficial frame of mind.

How does it work?

In essence, Feng Shui arranges objects, forms and colours in your environment in order to attract, balance and enhance positive life energy.

Once energy movement or exchange is optimal, the quality of life of the individual improves. For instance, sometimes people who have been confused at work may improve their concentration by turning their desk so that it faces the door. This way, instead of turning their back to other lives in their environment, they face them head on.

In Feng Shui, the right layout and attention to detail in your home can improve your business success, economic status, love life, personal and mental health, and happiness levels. What you see and experience in your home can make the difference between being relaxed and on top of your game, and edgy, uncomfortable, ill-rested, and imbalanced.

For example, think of how much better you feel in your warm, cozy room, stretched out on a goose down quilt with a wonderful companion, versus the annoyance of being cramped and stressed in a small, dimly lit cubicle at work. Feng Shui essentially tries to make your environment happy, healthy and balanced so you can feel great.

How do I start?

Now that you understand that Feng Shui is mainly about the positioning of objects in your living environment for a better flow of positive energy, you can apply the following tips in minutes, and at little or no cost.

Paint your bedroom an inviting colour like a warm yellow, rich terracotta or an earthy green. As most people go to their bedrooms to relax and recharge, it is essential to have the greatest level of serenity in the bedroom. (Plus, the more relaxed you feel, the more likely you are to invite the essential energy for healthy relationships!)

Be sure to remove or reposition uncomfortable furniture, because anything that makes you edgy or sore in your environment can block positive energy flow. Stiff chairs, old sofas with protruding coils or rough fabrics all make for a painful and undesirable living space. Use products that tailor to your body and your level of comfort sense.

Adjust light levels to pleasing levels. Try for natural light from windows as much as possible, or aim for natural white light bulbs and candles, and avoid fluorescent or glaring halogen lamps. The right light levels will give your eyes a rest, and enhance your mood. Levels of light determine wakefulness and emotional experience, so test out what works best for you.

Keep your area clean because if your space is too busy, you may not have room to think or freedom of movement. Fix drafty windows and leaky faucets. Clutter in the house generally indicates clutter in the mind and soul.

Face the door. You should never have your back to the door while working as it blocks productive energy.

Creating Harmony

Feng Shui can work for you, either under the guidance of a professional to maximize your chances of channeling Chi, or by yourself as a simple principle of living in balance and harmony with your environment.

Wishing you Health, Wealth
& Happiness!

Debra Jones
THE GEOMANCER